Introduction: Just as a shepherd searches for a lost sheep, God calls us to seek the lost.
1. Matthew 18:12 illustrates God's personal concern for each individual, highlighting his love for the marginalized.
A. The shepherd's willingness to leave the ninety-nine represents God's relentless pursuit of the lost.
2. Believers are called to emulate the shepherd's mission-focused life, seeking those who have gone astray.
A. By prioritizing the lost sheep, the shepherd illustrates the value of every soul in God's eyes.
3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to actively participate in missions, offering guidance and spiritual gifts.
A. Acts 1:8 encourages believers to be witnesses, signifying the power bestowed by the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: God's heart for the lost challenges us to prioritize missions in our lives. By seeking out the marginalized, we fulfill God's call to emulate the shepherd's mission-focused pursuit. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to actively engage in reaching the lost and extending God's love.
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Introduction: Engage the congregation with the question: what does it mean to live a life on mission?
1. Jesus illustrates the heart of God through the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing God's mission to seek and save the lost (Matthew 18:12).
A. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, demonstrating God's pursuit of each individual.
B. This reflects God's profound love for the marginalized and those who have strayed from the truth.
2. Our mission as believers is to reflect God's heart by reaching out to those who are lost and marginalized.
A. The lost sheep represents the importance of every individual soul to God.
B. Believers are called to be shepherds in their communities, seeking out the lost as Jesus did.
3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to participate actively in God's mission to the lost.
A. We must pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance to discern and reach out to those in need.
B. Spiritual gifts, like prophecy and healing, equip us to serve effectively in our mission, echoing the shepherd's rescue efforts.
Conclusion: Living a mission-focused life means embracing God's heart for the lost, like the shepherd seeking one sheep. Let us be committed to reaching out to those on the fringes, relying on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance, and embodying the love that goes after the one.
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